This Valentines weekend show your love to some of the cute, cuddly, friendly and eager-for-a-home animals at the Marlborough SPCA.

The society is holding an open day in the form of an adopt-a-thon this Saturday from 10am to 4pm, with one-off discounted prices for animal adoptions.

There will be a bouncy castle for the kids, a sausage sizzle and light refreshments on sale throughout the day.

“We will have a whole bunch of activities throughout the day starting with kids animal-themed crafts, story time and activities from 11am,” said Marlborough SPCA office manager , Kate Horrey.

At 2pm they will hold “furry speed-dating” where people can spend time with a host of animals from both the SPCA and the community.

“We will have not only cats and dogs but also pet rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, two goats and even a horse,” said Kate.

“The idea is for people to have the chance to interact with a variety of different pets.”

The main focus of the day is to encourage people wanting a family pet to adopt from the SPCA, although there is no obligation, she said.

It is also a good chance for the society to showcase its facilities and give the public a better idea of what it does.

Adoption prices will be halved for the day, with kittens costing $60, puppies $110, cats $50 and dogs $100 each.

This includes desexing, a vet check, micro chipping, a vaccination, de-worming and de-fleaing – a large saving compared with commercial costs.

“We want to make Valentines about the animals this year, about giving them a second chance for love,” said Kate.

“It would also be a good first date.”

Animal owners are welcome to bring their pets along for the day and celebrate the friendship between animals and humans.

Also happening on the day will be a pet photo booth where you can have your portrait taken with your faithful canine companion. Dog microchipping will also be on offer for $25 a dog.

“In all, we want to make it a fun family day out with the animals,” said Kate. In previous years there was an increase in adoptions after similar open days and hoped that this year would be the best so far.